‘Kenyatta stadium is like school playground’ – Gor Mahia chair Rachier raises concerns over standard of available stadiums

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier has raised concerns over the standards of the available stadiums in the country.

Kenya faces a shortage of stadiums that meet international standards right now as both Moi International Sports Complex (MISC) and Nyayo Stadium are undergoing renovation.

The national soccer team, Harambee Stars, was forced to play in Uganda when they hosted Zimbabwe for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in early September due to the unavailability of both Nyayo Stadium and MISC.

With the two facilities out of use for now, even Football Kenya Federation Premier League matches have been hosted at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, and Rachier feels the ground is not fit to host national games.

“The government should do something about these [facilities]. Machakos Stadium, for example, is like a school playing ground. We cannot develop sports in such conditions,” Rachier said in an interview with a local sports show.

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia were unable to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage after going out following a defeat to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

Rachier discussed what could have led to K’Ogalo‘s failure, blaming those who run the league.

“The federation (FKF) is running a league that lacks quality. You win the league, but you don’t get the competition needed to match continental football.

“Instead of focusing on improving the standards of the league, they’re busy pursuing vendettas against clubs,” he added.

The FKF elections have been scheduled later this year, and the long-serving chair hopes that the poll will produce leaders capable of developing the league into a better competition.

“I hope the forthcoming elections in December will usher in a new leadership capable of transforming the league, even if it means going back to the days it was managed by the Kenyan Premier League Limited,” Rachier stated.

There has been a debate on whether to turn Gor Mahia into a corporate entity from its current communal status, and Rachier said that was part of the upcoming meeting.

“This is a discussion we’re currently having. In our agenda for the Annual General Meeting, we proposed turning the club into a Limited Liability Company, but unfortunately someone went to court to stop the process,” he concluded.

After elimination from the continental competition, Gor Mahia will now begin their Premier League campaign in the coming weekend.